Practical Magic 2 (PG-13)
Age 13+
Witchy reunion — charming if imperfect — has peril and drinking.
The sequel to the 1998 cult classic film reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as modern-day witches engaged in another story about sisterhood and love. While things never get too intense, the movie does have violence, peril and painful moments: Characters die (including two emotional deaths), someone is struck by a car and left in a coma, two people are drugged and sedated, and a character writhes in pain from a curse. A villain threatens to kill the Owens family, and witches face off in a climactic magical battle. Language is limited to one use of “f—” and infrequent insults such as “coward” and “liar.” Romance includes kissing, flirting and talk of lovers, and a couple is shown in bed together (sex is implied, but there’s no nudity beyond bare shoulders). A cursed man’s chest and legs are shown in a nonsexual context. Adults drink fairly frequently. The story centers on strong female characters of different generations who support and protect one another, even when they disagree or keep secrets. (110 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass (PG)
Age 6+
Chinese-themed adventure has interesting lore but lacks laughs.
This animated film takes the famously feuding cat and mouse to China for a story steeped in ancient folklore. Expect plenty of slapstick violence, including chases, falls, crashes and injuries, as well as some fantasy action. A supersized rat threatens characters, shoots electric bolts, repeatedly stomps on someone (though it’s an immortal character), talks about death, and tries to steal a magical artifact and take over a village. But most of the violence is played for laughs, and Tom and Jerry ultimately set aside their animosity to help others and save each other. The movie’s positive themes include teamwork, curiosity, loyalty, courage, redemption, community and sacrifice. There’s also mild flirting, infrequent insults like “liar” and “coward,” and a scene featuring a presumed alcoholic. (90 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Runner (PG-13)
Age 13+
Bloody violence and language in so-so action-comedy.
This action movie follows unlikely partners (Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson) who must work together to deliver a time-sensitive medical package. Violence includes fistfights, shootouts, car chases, stabbings, chokings, explosions and dead bodies. The movie also deals with cancer, death, grief, family trauma, medical emergencies and hospitalizations. Strong language includes a few uses of “s—,” plus “a–hole,” “damn,” “freaking” and “swear to God.” Characters flirt, men are seen shirtless, and there’s a reference to being “off like a prom dress.” A character drinks a beer, and an alcohol dependency is implied. Themes include heroism, sacrifice, redemption, protecting the vulnerable, perseverance and unlikely friendship. (97 minutes)
Available in theaters.
The Fix (R)
Age 15+
Sluggish Iran-set action film is quite violent.
Starring Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi, this action thriller follows a special ops team that’s trying to rescue a radical journalist from Tehran while also seeking a hidden bag of cash. It’s pretty violent, with punches, shootouts, bloody wounds, blood spurts, an impalement, a leg getting sliced off, someone getting run over by a vehicle, explosions and deaths (including execution-style shots to the head). The bare upper half of a dead woman is shown, and one character’s breast is also briefly seen. People kiss, sex is implied and “boner pills” are mentioned. Other language includes “f—,” “s—,” “motherf—-r,” “son of a b—-,” “goddamn,” “b—–d” and “Jesus.” A character takes prescription pills, people drink beer and do shots in a nightclub, and there’s a mention of cannabis. (142 minutes)
Available in theaters.
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